As part of the BBC's educational homeschooling programming in the UK, renowned broadcaster and natural historian, David Attenborough, is to teach geography to children. The TV corporation's "Bitesize Daily" series is aimed at children who are confined to home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The series is delivering tailored lessons aimed at minimising disruption to children’s education and providing rhythm and routine in these challenging times. While they will mainly be presented by teachers and education experts, celebrities have signed up to the initiative to teach children a variety of subjects. David Attenborough will be helping them to learn about oceans and why animals look the way they do, and other well-known people taking part include Jodie Whittaker, Professor Brian Cox, Anita Rani and Dani Dyer.

The 20-minute daily lessons are aimed at supporting learning in the home environment. They will be available in core subjects for those in primary and secondary school years between year 1 and year 10. There will also be a weekly, age-appropriate book club, and celebrities have also been recruited to help read the books. “We’re proud that the BBC can bring together so many people to offer such a wide-ranging package of support to help children and parents right across the UK at such a challenging time,” says Alice Webb, director of BBC Children’s & Education.

Sir David Attenborough looks down the camera at the opening of Woodberry Wetlands
David Attenborough is teaching geography to hone-schooled children © Danny Martindale / Getty Images

BBC Bitesize Daily will run for 14 weeks and is available across BBC iPlayer, Red Button, BBC Bitesize website and app, BBC Four and BBC Sounds. In addition, BBC Four is presenting programmes each weekday evening to support GCSE and A-Level students.

Keep up to date with Lonely Planet's latest travel-related COVID-19 news here.

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